Experimentation has always served as a key aspect of André 3000’s career. He and his partner-in-rhyme, Big Boi, introduced OutKast to the world 30 years ago with their debut album, Southernplaylistic. Often dressed in Kangol hats and Braves jerseys during that period, the duo’s aesthetics represented the quintessential street styles of Atlanta area D-boys.

The 1994 version of OutKast made it a point to put Atlanta on the map and find acceptance in an era when East Coast and West Coast hip-hop dominated the genre. 

OutKast’s sophomore effort, ATLiens, didn’t play by the rules of normal hip-hop. André 3000 exchanged the Braves hat for a turbon as the duo embraced extraterrestrial themes, Afro-futurism mixed in with Atlanta culture.  

Aquemini and Stankonia continued to challenge hip-hop norms sonically. André 3000’s style also remained eclectic as he would often perform in football shoulder pads and colorful wigs. 

And with Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, André 3000 provided elements of jazz, R&B/soul, and rock & roll in what currently stands as hip-hop’s biggest selling album of all-time. 

Delving into the unknown is André 3000’s forte. So when he announced that his debut solo album would consist of him playing wind instruments and void of any rap lyrics, most of his fans were unsure of what to expect. 

This past week, André 3000 performed in Atlanta for the first time since 2016 (ONE Musicfest’s Dungeon Family reunion) as he brought the “New Blue Sun” tour to his hometown. 

Dressed in overalls, a red beanie, and black Air Jordan 3 sneakers, André 3000’s entered a dark stage, partially lit by laser lights which added to the mysticism. Void of an actual setlist, André 3000 and his band mostly improvised throughout the show, vibing with each other while taking audience members on a hypnotic journey. 

André 3000 addressed the audience several times while providing backstories of how he began to develop…